Councillor Pankhurst to propose:
“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.
On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.”
Minutes:
In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Pankhurst proposed:
“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.
On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.
The proposal was seconded by Alderman Kingston.
Amendment
Moved by Councillor Beattie,
Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin,
“This Council recognises the hurt and trauma of all victims, families and survivors from the past conflict here in the City of Belfast.
The Council notes that throughout the following years and decades there will be significant anniversaries for citizens of this City regarding the conflict on this part of the island.
The Council reiterates its commitment to doing everything in its power to ensure that violence is a thing of the past.
Belfast City Council will ensure that all those who were affected by our recent past are recognised equally.
That is why the Council will dedicate one day a year in which we remember the past and create a space for victims and survivors of all communities to commemorate and remember the past, while encouraging reconciliation between our communities.
Lastly, the Council will seek to erect a memorial for all those impacted by our past and will be dedicated to all victims, survivors, and families.”
On a vote, eight Members voted for the amendment and eleven against and it was declared lost.
At the request of Councillor McAllister, Councillor Pankhurst agreed to amend his proposal to reflect that the Party Leaders would discuss the potential for holding a separate day of reflection to remember all of the victims of the Troubles in Belfast.
Accordingly, the original motion, as amended and set out below, was put to the meeting when twelve Members voted for and seven against and it was declared carried:
“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.
On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.
In addition, the Party Leaders will discuss the potential for holding a separate day of reflection to remember all of the victims of the Troubles in Belfast.”